Are prehistoric horses faster than horses?

The statement cannot be answered simply as "yes" or "no". Prehistoric horses include various species of horses that existed before the modern Equus caballus, while the term "horse" usually refers to the modern domesticated horse. Different prehistoric horse species had different characteristics, including speed. Some prehistoric horse species, such as the Mongolian wild horse (Equus przewalskii) or the extinct American horse (Equus scotti), may have had similar or even slightly higher maximum speeds compared to modern domesticated horses. However, overall speed capabilities can depend on factors such as track conditions, individual variation, and training, making direct comparisons challenging. Prehistoric horses would have evolved in different environments, possibly resulting in adaptations for different terrains, climates, and gaits. Thus, the speed capabilities of prehistoric horses would vary depending on the specific species and the context in which speed is being considered.